Refuse burner construction and method of building same



June 16, 1964 A. w. CLAYTON 3,137,253

mzrusz BURNER CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD OF BUILDING SAME 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 28, 1960 FIG. 2

INVENTOR.

ALFRED W CLAYTON J1me 1964 A. w. CLAYTON 3,137,253

REFUSE BURNER CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD OF BUILDING SAME Filed Oct. 28, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5

INVEN TOR.

ALFRED W. CLAYTON United States Patent 3,137,253 REFUSE BUR CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD OF BUILDWG SAW Alfred W. Clayton, Memphis, Tenn, assignor,,by mesne assignments, to George Koch Sons, Inc, Evansville, 1nd, a corporation of Indiana Filed Oct. 28, 1960, Ser. No. 65,711 2 Claims. (Cl. 110-18) This invention relates to an improved refuse burner of the conical type, and to a method of building same.

Refuse burners of the above mentioned type are usual- 1y formed from a plurality of sheet metal panels which,

in the larger sized burners, include a lower group or course of panels, and an upper group or course of panels supported by the lower group. In the smaller burners only one group of panels are necessary, but in both the large and small burners the panels are relatively narrow in width and are elongated and tapered in a direction extending from the bottom of the burner towards the top. The burner is shipped in an unassembled condition in which the panels are unattached and stacked together. Then the burner is assembled at the place where it is to be used. In general, the burners have heretofore been assembled by first forming an annular concrete foundation, then putting one of the lower panels in place with its lower edge resting on the foundation, placing the next panel alongside of the first panel and attaching it thereto, and so on until the complete frusto-conical lower portion of the lower group is completed. Then the upper group of panels are placed on the lower ones in the same manner as above described for the assembly of the lower ones. It will be understood that previously, with these panels being elongated in a direction extending from the bottom towards the top and being of sheet metal, a great many guy wiresand guide lines were needed to get the panels in place and to hold them just so for the fastening thereof to the adjacent panels.

The present invention is directed towards providing a method and means for eliminating the necessity during building of having so many guys wires and the like, and for making it easier and faster to erect a burner. In addition, the present invention is directed towards providing such means which serves a dual function in not only making it easier to build the burner, but also makes a much stronger burner after completion. It will be understood that strength is an important factor in burners since the sheet metal must be braced to withstand high winds and to prevent buckling.

Thus, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved method for erecting a refuse burner. A further object is to provide such a method which includes the steps of attachinga framework section to each of the lower panels before assembly with the other panels and with the framework sections and panels being so arranged that when a pair of the panels are assembled on the annular foundation in side-by-side relationship, the two panels are substantially self-supporting with reduced need for guy wires, and when the assembly of all the the present invention are accomplished and the manner of their accomplishment will be readily understood from the following specification upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the burner of the present invention, with one of the doors being shown in an open position and one in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken as on the line IIII of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a further enlarged fragmentary perspective view of one of the panels as viewed from the inside thereof and showing one of the framework sections in place thereon.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken as on the line IVIV of FIG. 1, but showing only a partial assembly of the burner, that is, with only two panels in place.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the burner during one point in the assembly thereof illustrating two of the panels standing alone without the use of guy wires and with only a fragmentary portion of the foundation being shown.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing one of the upper panels being moved into place on the lower group.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the upper panel after being moved into place and with only the lower fragmentary part being shown.

FIG. 8 is a perspective fragmentary view of a portion of the burner of the present invention showing the improved means for mounting the doors.

Referring now to the drawings in which the various parts are indicated by numerals, the refuse burner 11 of the present invention comprises in general the usual conically shaped burner wall 13 which is supported on an annular concrete foundation 15 and which burner wall encloses the burning refuse inside the burner. Suitable means is provided for introducing the refuse to be burned into the interior of the burner. In the particular refuse burner shown in FIG. 1 this means is shown as an opening 17 in the side of burner wall 13 which is closed by doors 19 having hanging means later to be described in more detail. Other suitable means for introducing the refuse into the burner may be provided, as for example, the usual blowpipe and collector system or by a chain or belt conveyor and introduced through an opening in the wall 13. Any of these means for introducing the refuse may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, refuse burner 11 preferably includes the usual walk-in door 21, the usual circular draft doors 23, the usual siphon draft inlets 25, the usual catwalk 27 and the usual screened dome 29 for allowing the exhaust of the gases of combustion. With the larger type burner shown in FIG. 1 burner wall 13 includes a lower group 31 of panels 32 and an upper group 33 of panels 34. Panels 32 are attached adjacent their lower edges to foundation 15 by suitable means and are arranged in side-by-side relationship completely around foundation 15 to complete the lower half of the burner 11, which lower half it will be understood is substantially frusto-conical in shape. Panels 32 extend from adjacent concrete foundation 15 to the upper edge 35 of lower group 31. The panels 32 are preferably formed of sheet metal or the like and are elongated and tapered in a direction extending from the bottom to the top thereof. In other words, the width of each panel 32 is relatively narrow and each one forms a section of the frustoconical shape. Each of panels 32 is provided with outwardly extending flanges 37 adjacent the opposite side edges thereof, which flanges are attached to like flanges of adjacent panels 32 by suitable means, as for example, bolts 39 or the like. An upper flange 41 is provided on 3 each of'panels 32 adjacent the upper edge thereof which is attached to a corresponding lower flange 43 of upper panels 34. Panels 34 are each provided with outwardly extending flanges 45 adjacent the opposite side edges thereof which are attached to the flanges of adjacent panels by suitable means as bolts or the like. Upper panels 34 extend around the upper edge 35 of lower group 31 to complete the conical burner wall 13. Upper panels 34 extend from adjacent upper edge 35 to a place adjacent catwalk 27. .The upper panels 34, like lower panels 32, are relatively narrow in width and are elongated in a direction extending from the bottom to the top thereof and, like the lower panels, the upper panels are tapered from thebottom to the top thereof.

A plurality of spaced ribs 49, preferably in the form of angle members, are fixedly attached along the length of panels 32, 34 and on the interior side thereof for adding strength to the panels.

In describing the building of the refuse burner 11 of the present invention, it is assumed that the unassembled burner parts have been delivered to the site at which the burner is to be built and the annular concrete foundation 15 has been formed in the usual manner. While the panels 32 are still on the ground in unassembled relationship, pre-fabricated frame sections 51 are respectively attached to panels 32. Each of frame sections 51 is preferably formed of angle members and includes a substantially horizontal transverse member 53 attached to panel member 32 adjacent the interior thereof and extending thereacross. In addition, frame section 51 includes a pair of spaced end members 55 fixedly attached to transverse member 53 adjacent opposite ends thereof with the members 55 extending substantially horizontally and angularly from transverse member 53. Also, frame section 51 includes another transverse member 57 in substantially parallel spaced relationship relative to transverse member 53 and rigidly attached ,by suitable means to end members 55. Additional spaced members 59 rigidly interconnect ribs 49 and transverse member 53, 57. Additionally, d1-

agonal members 61 rigidly interconnect transverse members 53, 57. A diagonal brace 63 rigidly interconnects frame section 51 and panel 32 to aid in the support of the frame section. End members 55 are angled inwardly towards one another by the proper amount so that when the panel is assembled with refuse burner 11 the end members 55 extend radially towardsthe center of the refuse burner, as best seen in FIG. 2.

Also, while panels 32 are still on the ground, stop members 65, preferably in the form of angle members, are attached to certain ones of panels 32, which will be understood more fully in the description to follow. Stop members 65 are attached adjacent the upper edges of the panels on the interior thereof and extend therebeyond.

After frame sections 51 and stop members 65 have been attached to panels 32' as above described, two of panels 32 are mounted on concrete foundation 15 in side-byside relationship, as best shown in FIG. 5, and the frame sections51 of the two panels are rigidly secured together as by means of bolts 67 or the like extending through apertures 69 in adjacent members 55. The adjacent flanges 37 of panels 32 are then secured together by suitable means as bolts 39 or the like.

Even though the panels 32, as seen in FIG. 5, are

leaning inwardly due to the conical shape of the wall 13,

the panels are substantially self-supporting due to the rigidity caused by frame sections 51. little or no need for guy wires to support the panels as was formerly the case. For example, heretofore it was necessary to provide guy wires on the outside of the panels, to prevent the panels from falling over. These guy wires had to be provided and left up until substantially the complete circle of panels was erected.

After the two panels 32 are mounted as above described, the next panel 32 ismounted on foundation 15 adjacent the first pair of panels with its frame section Thus, there is 51 being secured to the adjacent frame section 51 and with its flange 37 being secured to the adjacent flange 37, as above described. The erection of panels 32 is continued in this manner on around the foundation 15 until the lower group 31 of panels is completed, whereupon it will be understood a rigid and substantially annular framework 73 made up of sections 51 is provided around the interior thereof, which gives great rigidity to the structure and prevents any buckling thereof. This annular framework 73 preferably is disposedjust above door opening 17 so that the structure is rigidly braced at the door opening.

After assembly of lower group 31, the upper group of panels 34 is mounted on upper edge 35. However, while panels 34 are still on the ground the usual dome supporting sections '74 are respectively attached to the panels at the upper ends thereof and adjacent one of the side edges thereof. The purpose of stop-members will become apparent from the'following description. Heretofore, without stop members 65, the difliculty of bringing into place and securing upper panels 34 is readily apparent. Previously, it was necessary to have numerous guide lines to guide the panels and numerous guy wires to hold them once they were in place. It can be seen that heretofore it was a diflicult procedure to align upper panels 34 with the lower panels 32 so that they could be joined. With the present invention this alignment is an easy matter. The panel 34' is lifted by means of a boom or the like, a portion of which is indicated as at 75 and which is provided with the usual cable 77 and hook 79 that is coupled to a bridle 81, which in turn is attached to panel 34 by suitable means as eyelets 83. The first panel 34 is swung, as shown in FIG. 6, towards its proper place until the inner side of panel 34 adjacent the lower end thereof strikes stop member 65 to stop the panel 34 in the aligned position with the lower group 31, whereupon upper panel 34 is attached to the stop member, as

by bolts or the like. Then flange 43 is attached to flange 41, as by bolts or the like. The second panel 34 is then brought into place adjacent the first-panel and secured thereto. V

Sections 74 are rigidly attached to each other as by means of angle members extending between the sections 74 and attached thereto as by bolts or the like. In addition, angle members 87 are provided which extend diagonally from a point adjacent one edge of the panel members 34 to a point adjacent the juncture of angle members 85 and sections 74 so that a rigid structure is provided to hold the two panels 34 together without the aid of guy wires or the like. The remainder of the panels 34 are brought into place and secured as above described until the complete upper group 33 is formed. It should be noted that upper panels 34 are preferably fewer in number than lower panels 32, and each upper panel preferably extends over 1 /2 lower panels. After upper group 33 is assembled as above described, catwalk 27 and screened dome 29 are completed in the usual manner.

The improved means for hanging doors 19 is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. Heretofore, doors of this type were hung with the supporting members being attached at spaced points along the burner wall, which, due to the heavy weight of the big doors, put a tremendous stress upon the burner wall at these points so that the wall would not stand up under long usage. The present invention overcomes this stress on the burner wall by providing a substantially triangular stationary truss 8*). Truss 89 is a single rigid structure and includes an elongated leg 91 that is rigidly attached to the door jamb 92 and burner wall 13 at points 93 by suitable means as bolting or the like. Leg 91 extends from adjacent the lower part of the door opening 17 to a point spaced above the door opening. The other members of the triangular outline of truss 89 include a substantially vertical leg 95 extending substantially upwardly from the lower end of leg 91, and an angular leg 97 interconnecting the upper end of vertical leg 95 to the upper end of leg 91. Truss 89 additionally includes a pair of spaced horizontal members 99 rigidly interconnecting legs 91, 95 and includes a diagonal member 101 extending diagonally between legs 91, 95 from a point adjacent the outer end of the upper horizontal member 99 to a point adjacent the inner end of the lower horizontal member 99. A pair of adjustable turn-buckle type of braces 103 of known construction extend between the outer edge of truss 89 and burner wall 13. A swingable rigid truss 105 is connected to door 19 adjacent the side edge thereof. Swingable truss 105 is swingably mounted from stationary truss 89 as by hinges 107. Truss 105 is similar to truss 89 and is substantially the same except that it does not extend above the door and is not provided with a member corresponding to angular member 97. Thus, truss 105 includes a substantially vertical leg 109, a pair of spaced horizontal legs 113 and a diagonal member 115. In addition, a pair of adjustable turn-buckle type of braces 117 of known construction extend between truss 105 and door 19. Legs 95, 109 are slightly inclined from the bottom to the top thereof away from the vertical towards burner 11 so that door 19 will have a tendency to move towards either a fully closed or a fully open position. It will be understood from the above construction that the load from the heavy door 19 is evenly distributed through leg 91 to the door jamb 92 and burner wall 13 to provide a superior construction.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that not only is an improved method for constructing a burner provided but also after the burner has been constructed this same means which is used in the method of construction performs a dual function and gives the burner greater strength so that it can withstand greater forces.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as hereinafter claimed.

I claim: V

1. In a refuse burner of the type having a circular foundation, a plurality of elongated panels supported on and extending around said foundation, and means attaching said panels together adjacent the edges thereof, the improvement in said burner comprising framework sections respectively fixedly attached to said panels on the interior thereof, each of said framework sections including a pair of horizontally elongated spaced end members extending radially and horizontally inward from ad jacent the side edges of said panels towards the center of said burner; each of said framework sections including a substantially horizontal transverse member attached to a said panel and attached adjacent opposite ends thereof I to said end members, another horizontal transverse member in substantially parallel spaced relationship to said first mentioned transverse member and attached adjacent opposite ends thereof to said end members adjacent the ends of said end members remote from said panels, and additional members rigidly interconnecting said transverse members; said framework sections being fixedly joined in end-to-end relationship to establish a substantially annular rigid framework.

2. The method of erecting a refuse burner of the conical type having a circular foundation and having a lower group of elongated panels ultimately supported on and extending around said foundation when the burner is completed, and having an upper group of elongated pane-ls ultimately supported on and extending around said lower group when the burner is completed, said method comprising the steps of: before assembly of said panels of said lower group attaching stop members respectively to some of said lower group of panels with said stop members being attached adjacent the top edge of the panels and extending thereabove, erecting said lower group of panels on said foundation and rigidly interconnecting said lower group of panels, attaching dome frame sections respectively to said upper group of panels adjacent the upper edge thereof before assembly of said upper group, svw'nging one of said panels of said upper group towards its ultimate place on said lower group until it strikes one of said stops to stop the panel in an aligned position with said lower group of panels, securing said one of said panels of said upper group to said lower group and to said stop, bringing a second one of said panels of said upper group into place adjacent said one of said panels of said upper group and securing the two together adjacent the edges thereof, rigidly interconnecting said dome frame sections of said first two of said panels of said upper group so that said first two of said panels are substantially self-supporting without the aid of numerous guy wires and the like, and continuing the erecting and securing of the remainder of said panels in the same manner above described for said first two of said panels of said upper group.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Australia Nov. 1, 1934 

1. IN A REFUSE BURNER OF THE TYPE HAVING A CIRCULAR FOUNDATION, A PLURALITY OF ELONGATED PANELS SUPPORTED ON AND EXTENDING AROUND SAID FOUNDATION, AND MEANS ATTACHING SAID PANELS TOGETHER ADJACENT THE EDGES THEREOF, THE IMPROVEMENT IN SAID BURNER COMPRISING FRAMEWORK SECTIONS RESPECTIVELY FIXEDLY ATTACHED TO SAID PANELS ON THE INTERIOR THEREOF, EACH OF SAID FRAMEWORK SECTIONS INCLUDING A PAIR OF HORIZONTALLY ELONGATED SPACED END MEMBERS EXTENDING RADIALLY AND HORIZONTALLY INWARD FROM ADJACENT THE SIDE EDGES OF SAID PANELS TOWARDS THE CENTER OF SAID BURNER; EACH OF SAID FRAMEWORK SECTIONS INCLUDING A SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL TRANSVERSE MEMBER ATTACHED TO A SAID PANEL AND ATTACHED ADJACENT OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF TO SAID END MEMBERS, ANOTHER HORIZONTAL TRANSVERSE MEMBER IN SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL SPACED RELATIONSHIP TO SAID FIRST MENTIONED TRANSVERSE MEMBER AND ATTACHED ADJACENT OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF TO SAID END MEMBERS ADJACENT THE ENDS OF SAID END MEMBERS REMOTE FROM SAID PANELS, AND ADDITIONAL MEMBERS RIGIDLY INTERCONNECTING SAID TRANSVERSE MEMBERS; SAID FRAMEWORK SECTIONS BEING FIXEDLY JOINED IN END-TO-END RELATIONSHIP TO ESTABLISH A SUBSTANTIALLY ANNULAR RIGID FRAMEWORK. 